A Greek scientist has been included in the list of 100 people that can change the world compiled by TIME magazine.
Dr. Andreas Flouris is an Associate Professor at the University of Thessaly Department of Exercise Science in Greece and an Adjunct Professor in Environmental Medicine with the School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, Canada.
With an illustrious career spanning the past 20 years, Dr. Flouris has dedicated his research to understanding the impact of climate change and environmental factors on public health and other aspects of our lives such as the economy, competitiveness and quality of life.
He advocates climate action and the fight for sustainability, aiming to secure the future of our planet and societies.
“I am honored to be included in the TIME100 Next list,” said Dr. Fluris to Athens-Macedonia News Agency (AMNA).
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work of my FAMELab research team at the University of Thessaly and the support of my colleagues and mentors. The purpose of my research is to help create a more sustainable and just future for all.”
What distinguishes Dr. Fluris is his significant academic achievements and his effort to translate scientific knowledge into social action.
He has advised governments and international organizations, such as the Cyprus Presidency, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security in Greece, the Ministry of Labor of Qatar, the World Health Organization, the International Labor Organization, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the European Organization Space and NASA, on the critical interactions of climate change and environmental factors with health, sustainability, and impact assessment and risk communication in the present and future.
“Our studies span a wide spectrum, from small and large-scale field studies, basic and applied laboratory research, clinical studies, environmental monitoring and modeling, epidemiological research, risk assessment and analysis politics or economy,” he tells AMNA.
The European Commission has funded the research at the FAMELab with more than 20 million euros since 2010.
“They are very interested that our research focuses on Commission priorities, such as the effects of heat stress, atmospheric pollution and extreme weather phenomena on health and quality of life”.
Greek scientist’s inclusion in the TIME100 Next a recognition of his contribution
Dr. Fluris’s inclusion in TIME100 Next is not only a recognition of his outstanding contribution to science, but also a testament to his commitment to creating a more sustainable and better world for future generations.
“As an advocate for climate action, I work closely with national and international organizations to promote sustainability initiatives that can lead to a more environmentally aware world.
“I try to translate science data into actionable environmental, climate, health and economic policies for organizations such as the World Health Organization, the International Labor Organization, the World Meteorological Organization, the Bank of Greece and others”.
Dr. Fluris is also a regular contributor to global media such as BBC, CBC, Financial Times, New York Times, WIRED, HBO, and Reuters.
As he states, “The ability of scientists to communicate complex concepts to the public is vital to raising awareness in society. Taxpayers support research but, unfortunately, it often goes unused and does not progress beyond the level of a scientific article that only a few people read. We have to change that.”
“The next generation of scientists is our best hope for dealing with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation,” Dr. Fluris said.